Peanut Butter Crunch Snack Balls

A good friend made these delectable, healthy little snacks and shared some a while back when our kids were playing together at a park. She was gracious enough to pass along the recipe and I made a huge batch of them before I had my baby and am I ever glad I did! They freeze beautifully and now all I have to do is pull a few out of the freezer, let them thaw a few minutes, and my boys are in heaven snacking away and I can feel good that these little treats are low in refined sugar and packed with fiber and protein. Made with peanut butter, powdered milk, applesauce, a myriad of wholegrain, healthful cereals, they have a fabulous texture of smooth peanut butter and crunchy cereal, and of course I had to throw in some mini chocolate chips to make them even sweeter. The great thing about them is that even though they are quite healthful, my boys still eat them as their “treat” after meals because of the chocolate chips. And my husband and I love them, too! If you want a great snacking treat, this recipe is for you.

53 Responses to Peanut Butter Crunch Snack Balls

I made a batch of these and took them to a neighborhood party for a kid friendly food option. Not only were they a hit with the kids but the adults liked them as well. I like that they are a nice sweet treat with some healthier ingredients in them. I love that they can be stored in the freezer to have for another time. I actually think they taste best right out of the freezer! -Liz K.

OH MY HECK!!!! I am so thankful I stumbled across your blog. I made your clam chowder last night for dinner and it was so amazing! I have been looking for some new recipes and each time I tried something new it would end in upset- nothing was ever good. But holy smokes I am so gald I found you. ….you are going to save me from my rut!

Hi Michelle – I think you could definitely leave out the coconut if you aren’t a fan but add some bulk by using more crushed up cereal or rice krispies. I don’t think it will affect the taste much – it will just eliminate the coconut texture which it sounds like your family doesn’t like anyway! Let me know if you end up trying them.

We made a half batch of these and since we didn’t have coconut I added more cereal and some wheat germ. Also, they are so good dipped in chocolate! Kinda takes away the healthy treat, but still…we had to try it with a few.

I Love them and so do my kids. It was so great to make with kids because there are no eggs, so they can eat the dough. They LOVED it. and I loved not having to get after them for eating the dough. The only warning I would give out is they are addicting, but a lot healthier than most snacks and treats. This will be a staple in our freezer!

These look so good too! No one in my family likes coconut though – any idea on what to do? I normally just leave it out, but with 2 cups called for I’m thinking that could mess them up. Maybe increase the rice krispies some to compensate?

I am knee deep in making these right now! I halved the recipe, but still think I may yield 5million of these little balls. ha ha ha Mine are sure sticky…is that normal, or did I use too much pb and honey? I am thinking (hoping) they get more dense/etc when frozen or sit a bit. Smell great! I am in charge of snacks next week at Pre-K, so the kiddos are each getting a little sack of these with their milk!Thanks!Kelli Linkis <><<

Kelly – I know, I know – this recipe makes a ton! I halved the recipe, too, and it still made quite a few (around 70, I think). If your dough is overly sticky, you might try adding more powdered milk to make the consistency more firm for rolling. AFter sitting for a few hours, they will probably set up perfectly, though. Thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know you tried the recipe!

Had to comment on these to let future readers see….these were fabulous! I was really nervous since my kids are huge cookie dough lovers and these might not cut it in the “sweet” category. BUT, they loved them and the freezer door is being opened constantly. I made the whole batch and they are almost half gone! Thank you for a great alternative to our family’s bad habbit of cookie dough balls, I feel much better with these being popped into their mouths!

I finally got around to making these, and ended up making 1/3rd of the recipe, just to try it out. These are quite healthy and was surprised that they kept the crunch from the cereals. My kids loved them, and so did my husband and I! Thanks for the great snack recipe! I know that this wouldn’t add to the healthy-ness…but next time I might roll them in nilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs, just for a different texture on the outside…yum!

Good Gomer Family – thank you for your comment! I appreciate you taking the time to let me (and other readers) know that your family liked these little snacks. I didn’t really relate them to cookie dough, but you are right – they are kind of a healthier alternative to cookie dough!

Kate – I’m glad you made these and liked them. You are right, they make a TON, which is why I halved the recipe like you did when I made them. Thanks for commenting and letting me know you tried the recipe!

I am excited to try these! I have made similar PB balls, but instead of powdered milk, I use vanilla protein powder (the kind that is used to make protein shakes)! That adds a little extra healthy and protein to the already yummy treats! Thanks for the recipe! I will be making these soon!

Tara – I’m assuming your son doesn’t have a nut allergy since the peanut butter isn’t a problem…so because of that, I’d suggest using ground nuts for the powdered milk. You could also try finely ground oats. Hope that helps!

Just wondering what else I could substitute powdered milk for? I see where someone suggested ground nuts or ground oats, but any other ideas? I don’t want to buy a HUGE thing of powdered milk when I would only need a few tablespoons! I was thinking of maybe trying coffee creamer? I live in a very small town without many grocery options-trying to find something within my reach!

Oh dear. Another addiction! I halved the recipe as recommended and still made nearly a hundred balls. We all love them! I did have to substitute what I could find for cereal (honey nut cheerios & a sort of wheat puff pillow) but I think it works no matter what kind of crunchy healthy cereal you use. I also had to roll them in Weetabix because few stores carry shredded wheat. I’m happy the boys don’t know what in it besides peanut butter & chocolate! Thanks again for another rocking addiction!

I made these tonight using Sunbutter instead of peanut butter since my son is allergic to peanuts. My whole family loved them! Thanks for a great recipe that we can adapt for the food allergies so we all can enjoy!

Finally got around to making these today, and they certainly live up to all the great comments! I subbed vanilla protein powder for the milk and used extra crushed cereal in place of coconut. This is the perfect pre-workout snack for me and even better pre-soccer game or just anytime snack for my boys – particularly my type 1 diabetic. A great combo of protein and carbs! Thanks for a great recipe!